Both sides came out with plenty of pace and
physicality, but Guadalajara created the majority of the scoring chances
through the first 20 minutes. Omar Bravo nearly capitalized on a giveaway in
the back just three minutes in, but Kansas City’s Designated Player on loan to
Chivas unleashed a scissor kick that fell just over the crossbar.

Chivas had another golden opportunity to
strike first, but goalkeeper Brad Knighton stood in the way of a go-ahead tally
for the visitors. Miguel Ponce took advantage of space outside of the area to
unleash a blast from distance in the 20th minute, but the Union
backup was able to leave his feet and get just enough of a touch to punch the
attempt over the bar.

Philadelphia’s first promising scoring chance
came in the 27th minute when Nick Zimmerman sent a low cross into
the box from the right corner, but goalkeeper Luis Michel stepped off his line
to smother the service.

While both sides went into the break
scoreless, the deadlock didn’t last long. Philadelphia substituted their entire
starting lineup other than Knighton and defender Michael Orozco Fiscal, and the
changes immediately paid dividends.

In the 48th minute, Mapp took
advantage of space in the middle of the pitch, dribbling through the heart of
Chivas’ midfield and sliding a through ball to a streaking McInerney.
The Union rookie calmly
ran onto the ball and slotted the go-ahead tally past substitute ‘keeper
Sergio Arias for a 1-0 lead.

Chivas was gifted a golden opportunity to
equalize in the 70th minute when Knighton was caught off his line,
but Michel Vasquez’s lob missed the net wide left.

Guadalajara continued applying pressure in
Philadelphia’s territory during the ensuing five minutes, but a string of three
acrobatic saves from Knighton to stop long-distance rifles preserved the home
side’s 1-0 advantage.

The Union were able to hold onto the lead
despite continued late pressure from Guadalajara, managing to come out on top
despite the absences of leading scorer Sebastien Le Toux and starting striker
Alejandro Moreno, both of whom were being rested. Philadelphia will return to
action this Saturday at home, with the Kansas City Wizards coming to PPL Park
for a 3:30pm showdown.